As Saudi Arabia prepares for Ramadan and Eid 2025, a new survey conducted by Toluna and MetrixLab offers deep insights into consumer behavior, purchasing patterns, and evolving market trends. The study highlights how consumers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are shaping their shopping habits, digital engagement, and spending priorities during the holy month and festive celebrations. With the increasing influence of digital commerce and a shift toward more conscious consumption, businesses and brands have an opportunity to align their offerings with consumer expectations.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the survey findings, exploring the major themes that will define the Ramadan and Eid shopping landscape in KSA this year.
1. Increased Spending on Essentials and Gifting During Ramadan
Ramadan has always been a time of increased spending, and 2025 is no different. The survey reveals that the majority of Saudi consumers plan to allocate a significant portion of their budget toward food, beverages, and household essentials, ensuring they have everything needed for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (fast-breaking meal). Grocery shopping peaks in the weeks leading up to Ramadan, with retailers witnessing a surge in demand for traditional ingredients, premium dates, and healthy meal options.
Additionally, gifting remains a central aspect of Ramadan and Eid traditions. The survey shows that a large percentage of respondents plan to purchase gifts for family, friends, and the less fortunate. Popular gift choices include:
- Luxury chocolates and confectionery
- Perfumes and oud fragrances
- Traditional attire and abayas
- Gold jewelry and accessories
- Digital gift cards and cash transfers
This presents a crucial opportunity for brands to create exclusive Ramadan and Eid promotions, bundling gift items together and offering personalized shopping experiences.
2. Digital Shopping and E-Commerce Growth
The shift toward online shopping continues to grow in KSA, with the survey indicating that over 65% of consumers prefer to shop online for Ramadan and Eid. The convenience of browsing digital catalogs, accessing exclusive deals, and making quick purchases from smartphones has driven the e-commerce boom.
Key insights from the survey include:
- A rise in mobile commerce, with shoppers preferring apps over desktop websites.
- An increase in orders for meal delivery services and grocery apps.
- Strong engagement with social media shopping, as brands and influencers promote Ramadan-exclusive deals.
- A preference for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, allowing consumers to spread the cost of high-ticket items.
Retailers are responding to this trend by enhancing their digital presence, streamlining delivery services, and offering special Ramadan-themed promotions. AI-driven personalization is also playing a role, with online stores curating product recommendations based on consumer browsing behavior.
3. Rise of Conscious Consumerism and Ethical Spending
The survey highlights an increasing focus on conscious consumerism, with many Saudis making more ethical and sustainable choices during Ramadan. A significant percentage of respondents stated that they are prioritizing:
- Locally sourced and organic products over mass-produced goods.
- Brands with strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as donating meals to the underprivileged.
- Sustainable fashion and eco-friendly packaging, particularly for Eid gifts.
Additionally, charity and giving back play a vital role in Ramadan, with many consumers opting to donate a portion of their spending to zakat (charitable giving) and iftar meal distributions. Companies that align their marketing campaigns with social responsibility initiatives tend to resonate more with the Saudi audience during this time.
4. Fashion and Beauty Trends for Eid 2025
Eid is a time of celebration and dressing in new outfits remains an essential tradition. The survey found that:
- 70% of Saudi women plan to purchase new abayas and modest wear for Eid.
- Men are leaning toward classic white thobes, but with modern, tailored fits.
- Luxury handbags, perfumes, and makeup kits are among the top Eid purchases.
- Traditional Arabic scents such as oud and musk are seeing a surge in demand.
Beauty and self-care routines also take precedence during Ramadan, with skincare and wellness products experiencing a rise in sales. Halal-certified beauty brands are gaining traction, catering to consumers seeking ethical and religiously compliant products.
5. Food Delivery and Dining Out Trends
The survey indicates a significant shift in dining habits, with more consumers opting for iftar meal deliveries and home catering services. With busy schedules and social gatherings increasing during Ramadan, convenience is a key factor in dining decisions.
Popular food trends for Ramadan 2025 include:
- Health-conscious meal plans with balanced suhoor and iftar options.
- Traditional Saudi dishes prepared in healthier, modern ways.
- Restaurants offering curated Ramadan menus with exclusive deals.
- Street food pop-ups and Ramadan bazaars attracting food enthusiasts.
As for Eid celebrations, many families prefer dining out at five-star hotels and fine-dining restaurants, where chefs curate exclusive Eid feasts featuring gourmet Arabian cuisine.
6. Impact of Social Media and Influencer Marketing
Social media continues to shape consumer choices, with the survey showing that:
- More than 80% of Saudi consumers follow Ramadan and Eid promotions on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
- Influencer collaborations play a key role in promoting food brands, fashion, and lifestyle products.
- Live shopping events are becoming increasingly popular, allowing consumers to interact with brands in real-time.
Brands that leverage storytelling, interactive content, and influencer partnerships tend to create a stronger emotional connection with their audience during Ramadan.
7. Technology and Smart Home Purchases
Ramadan shopping is not just about food and fashion—tech and home gadgets also see a surge in demand. According to the survey, Saudi consumers are increasingly purchasing:
- Smart home devices, such as automated prayer reminders and Quran recitation apps.
- Kitchen appliances to prepare traditional Ramadan dishes with ease.
- Gaming consoles and entertainment subscriptions for family-friendly gatherings.
Retailers offering Ramadan tech bundles and financing options are seeing higher conversions, especially for big-ticket items.
Conclusion: What This Means for Businesses and Consumers
The Toluna and MetrixLab survey offers a valuable roadmap for brands, retailers, and marketers looking to navigate the Ramadan and Eid shopping landscape in Saudi Arabia. The findings underscore the growing role of e-commerce, ethical spending, and digital engagement in shaping consumer trends.
For businesses, the key takeaways are:
- Enhance digital offerings, from seamless e-commerce experiences to mobile-friendly platforms.
- Create Ramadan-centric marketing campaigns, incorporating social responsibility and community engagement.
- Offer flexible payment solutions, such as BNPL, to cater to high-demand purchases.
- Leverage influencer partnerships, live shopping, and social media trends to boost engagement.
For consumers, the insights highlight the convenience and variety available in the market, allowing for a more personalized and fulfilling Ramadan shopping experience.
With Ramadan and Eid 2025 set to be a transformative period for Saudi consumers, the intersection of tradition and modernity continues to define the evolving landscape of shopping, dining, and social engagement in the Kingdom.
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